The World of William Joyce Scrapbook

by William Joyce, Phillip Gold (Illustrations)

Packed with a year's worth of holiday photographs, hilarious anecdotes, early sketches, snippets of future projects, and more, this book takes readers on a leisurely ramble through the mischievous landscape of a critically acclaimed author-illustrator.

Genres: Nonfiction, Picture Books, Biography, Art, Childrens, Kids

48 pages, Hardcover

First published October 30, 1997

About the author

William Joyce does a lot of stuff—films, apps, Olympic curling—but children’s books are his true bailiwick (The Numberlys, The Man in the Moon, Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King, Toothiana, and the #1 New York Times bestselling The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, which is also an Academy Award–winning short film, to name a few). He lives with his family in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Reviews

[Min · Rating 4 out of 5]

An autobiography as only an illustrator/ author would write. He answers the questions most commonly asked of him.

He shares his early years with photographs, and his development as an artist showing works from ages 5-22. The skills show by age 9, that this kid has talent, and a beautifully vivid imagination. By 14, the picture displays many of his stylistic traits.

He explains how he began making books, and his process. I liked seeing the methods used that blossom from stark pencil sketch to final painting, specifically, that he incorporates many items from his home, like old toys. I must remember the coloring steps of yellow, red, blue, then black to create any color. Following, he proceeds unfolding his inventiveness through story, after story.

Photographs of his family are poignant knowing that his daughter died in 2010. Glimpsing into parts of his life, like holidays: egg painting, Fourth of July cookout, and fireworks display, and Halloween decorating. Noting he sent Santa Claus letters, like Tolkien, is amazing!
The last section shares a few of his "new" projects, such as Rolie Polie Olie, and The Guardians of Childhood. This exaggerates how old he book is, for me. Rolie Polie Olie was from 1998-2004, well over 15 years ago. The Guardians of Childhood is complete now, and even a 2012 film. I enjoyed the series. Seeing the early sketches was interesting; a further peek into the unfolding of its creation.

[Engel Dreizehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring insight into the world of Joyce's technique and imagination for the budding artist. It felt inviting and warm to see how he creates his works and the friends and family that surround-inspires me. It is amusing when having a drink with your characters The family aspect was both warm + sad to read because of the passing of his daughter after the book's publication.

[Mike P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stimulating!

[Jackie Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

How did I miss this author for 30 years! I mean, wow! Genius and I've even seen movies and TV shows based on his children's books. Just wonderful 😊

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fascinating

[Relyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just the sort of book I love. Reading and writing are lifelong passions, so I devour books about authors and writing. This one is a perfect version for students. I found much pleasure in it, and so did my students.

Lesson Connections
Perfect introduction (or conclusion, actually) to an author study about William Joyce. This book is a powerful tool for helping students view themselves as authors.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creator of Rolie Polie Olie, George Shrinks, and other beloved characters allows us into his world. He answers all those questions he gets whenever he visits a classroom, except this time everything is beautifully illustrated. Joyce shows us how an idea becomes a story. The process of it all, where he gets his ideas, and how he gets them all down on paper. The pictures offer as much information as the text. The text looks like handwritten pages. It is all beautifully done.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are books about children's authors which can be fairly dry and dull. This is not one of them. William Joyce tells us in his own words what inspires him to create his books. If you read this book, you will want to live in his neighborhood too!

[Amanda Hlava · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an autobiography about the artist and story author, William Joyce. It tells of his journey through discovering his talents and how he got many of his ideas for his drawings and stories. Fun book, especially for students interested in art.

[Brigette · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Joyce is a title I wish I had. When I grow up, I want to be just like him. I have always wanted to write children's books but I've never had the guts. Now I just feel like drawing all day long.

[Najae · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was okay

[Abdoa]

qw

[Jarrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thing of beauty. A wonderful peek into the background and creative mind of one of my favorite authors. I'm so pleased that he continues to create and add to the beauty of our world.